Evan Turner said Sixers wanted Bulls because Heat are tougher for them

The first-round playoff series between the Bulls and 76ers got much more exciting thanks to some comments from Evan Turner. The Sixers guard was asked last weekend what it would mean to play the Bulls in the playoffs, and he answered candidly.

“I think we’ll be able to compete well against Chicago,” Turner said, “and have an opportunity to win the series.”

The Sixers were eliminated by the Heat in five games last season, so Turner prefers the alternative. One could even argue that Philly tanked in their final game on Thursday by resting four of their top players. They lost to the Pistons while the Knicks, with whom they were tied, beat the Bobcats.

Turner tried clarifying his comments by sending a few tweets on Wednesday:

And bulls fans: please stop tweeting me about the playoffs. I didn’t say anything negative. All I said is we match up better with them smh

Turner says the writer left out that part of his comments. Derrick Rose, Kyle Korver, and Joakim Noah were asked if they had responses, but they didn’t offer much. You better believe they took note of the remarks and are prepared to show Turner a lesson when the series begins on Saturday in Chicago.